Influence of Clinical Parameters on Cognitive Impairment in MS and NMOSD (PP-35)

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) are autoimmune diseases that cause inflammation in the central nervous system. Cognitive impairment, particularly in information processing speed (IPS), is common in both conditions. This study examined the relationship between IPS and various clinical factors in individuals with MS (PwMS) and NMOSD (PwNMOSD).
Methods: The study included 745 participants: 617 with MS and 128 with NMOSD. IPS was assessed using the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). Clinical, serological, and radiological data were collected retrospectively. Data analysis was conducted using a General Linear Model (GLM).
Results: The GLM multivariate analysis, adjusted for age, sex, and education level, revealed significant associations between IPS and several factors in PwMS: Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) (B: -0.176, p < 0.001), disease progression (DP) (B: -0.378, p < 0.001), disease duration (DD) (B: -0.019, p < 0.001), brain atrophy (B: -0.755, p < 0.001), and brain lesion load (LL) (B: 0.270, p < 0.001). In PwNMOSD, significant associations were found between IPS and EDSS (B: -0.149, p < 0.001), AQP-4 antibody positivity (B: -0.486, p = 0.007), brain atrophy (B: -1.190, p < 0.001), and the number of cervical lesions (B: -0.317, p = 0.021).
Conclusion: This study highlights key risk factors affecting IPS in PwMS, such as EDSS, brain atrophy, and lesion load, while also identifying new factors in PwNMOSD, including AQP-4 antibody positivity and cervical lesions. Additionally, disease progression was found to impact IPS in PwMS significantly.